There is no doubt about it – the past few years have been challenging for small business owners across Canada. From the ever-changing challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic to an economic downturn and significant shifts in the tech industry.
Despite these challenges, we’ve continued to see entrepreneurs from coast to coast push towards a future where more tools and resources are made available to run and grow a small business in Canada!
At Startup Canada, we know the power and importance of small businesses and entrepreneurship to the Canadian economy. That’s why we continue to develop programs and initiatives that eliminate barriers and champion the needs of Canadian small businesses to both private and public sector partners.
At the beginning of 2022, we restructured our flagship programs to provide this support to entrepreneurs all year long. One stand-out outcome from this shift in our programming was the formation of the Startup Women Advocacy Network (SWAN). Our program lead, Isabel Nolan, curated a group of early-stage, woman-identifying entrepreneurs from each province and territory who advocate the importance of women’s entrepreneurship. Through roundtable discussions with the government, storytelling, and public speaking opportunities, SWAN has championed the importance of women and representation in Canada’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Pushing us closer to making Canada the best place to be a small business owner.
The work doesn’t stop there. We’re continuing to advocate for entrepreneurs in 2023 with the launch of our annual programs, including the continuation of SWAN, StartupGov, and our free Business Owner’s Toolbox. As well as our soon-to-be-launched Startup Tour, which will bring us back on the road and connect entrepreneurs with support organizations from across the country!
Every day I have the privilege of meeting with ecosystem partners and know first-hand that Canadian entrepreneurs have the talent, passion, and drive to succeed in today’s economy. I can’t wait to see what we accomplish together.
To learn more about Startup Canada and our annual programs and offerings for small businesses and entrepreneurs, visit startupcan.ca.
Kayla Isabelle
CEO – Startup Canada
Kayla Isabelle is the Chief Executive Officer at Startup Canada, the gateway to Canada’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Startup Canada’s mission is to connect Canada’s entrepreneurs with the tools, community, and support they need to start and build their businesses. Kayla has dedicated her career to supporting entrepreneurs and is passionate about leveraging the power of storytelling in the business community, particularly for women entrepreneurs, as the host of the Startup Women Podcast.
